Golden Sweet Potato Skewers with Feta, Walnuts & Sticky Cranberry Maple
Golden Sweet Potato Skewers with Feta, Walnuts & Sticky Cranberry Maple are a colourful and flavour-packed side dish that brings together tender roasted sweet potatoes, creamy feta and crunchy toasted walnuts. Everything is finished with a glossy cranberry maple glaze that adds a delicious balance of sweetness, tanginess and savoury depth.
These easy sweet potato skewers are perfect for entertaining, holiday dinners, family gatherings or simply adding something special to a weeknight meal. The caramelised edges of the roasted sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the salty feta, toasted walnuts and sticky cranberry maple finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful golden presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Sweet potatoes become tender and caramelised in the oven.
- Creamy feta and toasted walnuts add contrasting flavours and textures.
- The cranberry maple glaze adds a glossy sweet and tangy finish.
- Simple ingredients come together in an impressive side dish.
- Perfect for holiday meals, gatherings or everyday dinners.
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 2–3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 wooden skewers
For the Toppings
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Sticky Cranberry Maple
- ⅓ cup cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
How to Make Golden Sweet Potato Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
Place the wooden skewers in a dish of water and soak them for at least 20 minutes. This helps prevent them from becoming overly dry during roasting.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Season the Sweet Potatoes
Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the seasoned sweet potato cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow the hot air to circulate around the sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden
Roast the skewers for 30–35 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
Continue roasting until the sweet potatoes are tender inside and golden with caramelised edges.
Step 5: Make the Cranberry Maple Glaze
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine the cranberry sauce or preserves, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and fresh thyme in a small saucepan.
Warm gently over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth, glossy and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Transfer the golden sweet potato skewers to a serving platter.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta generously over the warm sweet potatoes, followed by the toasted chopped walnuts.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the sticky cranberry maple glaze generously over the skewers.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm while the sweet potatoes are tender and the toppings are fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
- Add to a festive holiday dinner table.
- Serve with roasted vegetables and a simple grain dish.
- Offer extra cranberry maple glaze on the side for drizzling.
Helpful Tips
- Cut the cubes evenly: Similar-sized sweet potato pieces will cook more evenly.
- Soak the skewers: Give wooden skewers at least 20 minutes in water before assembling.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray: Leave space between the skewers so the sweet potatoes roast rather than steam.
- Turn halfway through: Rotating the skewers helps create golden caramelised edges on multiple sides.
- Warm the glaze gently: Low heat keeps the cranberry maple mixture smooth and glossy.
Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of cranberry preserves for a simpler glaze.
- Swap walnuts for toasted pecans if preferred.
- Add extra fresh thyme for a more aromatic finish.
- Increase or reduce the Dijon mustard to adjust the tanginess of the glaze.
Storage
Store leftover sweet potato skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through. For the best texture, add the feta, walnuts and fresh parsley after reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 9 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for this recipe so they can be cut into evenly sized cubes and roasted until caramelised.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
You can prepare and season the sweet potato cubes ahead of cooking. For the best texture, roast the skewers close to serving time.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes. Toasted pecans make a delicious alternative and provide a similar crunchy texture.
Can I make the cranberry maple glaze ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the glaze ahead of time and gently warm it before drizzling over the roasted sweet potato skewers.
Can I omit the feta?
Yes. The skewers can be served without feta, although the creamy, salty cheese provides a lovely contrast to the sweet potatoes and cranberry maple glaze.
Final Thoughts
Golden Sweet Potato Skewers with Feta, Walnuts & Sticky Cranberry Maple are an easy way to turn simple sweet potatoes into an impressive centrepiece or side dish. The roasted sweet potatoes become beautifully caramelised, while creamy feta and toasted walnuts add contrasting texture and flavour.
The sticky cranberry maple glaze brings everything together with its sweet, tangy finish, making these skewers especially inviting for festive gatherings and cosy seasonal meals. Serve them warm with fresh parsley and enjoy every golden, flavour-packed bite.
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Golden Sweet Potato Skewers with Feta, Walnuts & Sticky Cranberry Maple
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden Sweet Potato Skewers with Feta, Walnuts & Sticky Cranberry Maple combine tender roasted sweet potatoes with creamy feta, crunchy toasted walnuts and a glossy cranberry maple glaze. The sweet potatoes become beautifully caramelised in the oven, while the cranberry maple finish adds a delicious balance of sweetness, tanginess and savoury depth. Perfect for entertaining, holiday dinners, family gatherings or an impressive everyday side dish.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
2–3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 wooden skewers
For the Toppings:
100 g feta cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Sticky Cranberry Maple:
⅓ cup cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Place the wooden skewers in a dish of water and soak for at least 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
Thread the seasoned sweet potato cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them so the hot air can circulate.
Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through cooking, until the sweet potatoes are tender inside and golden with caramelised edges.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine the cranberry sauce or preserves, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and fresh thyme in a small saucepan.
Warm gently over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth, glossy and slightly sticky.
Transfer the golden sweet potato skewers to a serving platter.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the warm sweet potatoes, followed by the toasted chopped walnuts.
Drizzle the sticky cranberry maple glaze generously over the skewers.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cut the sweet potato cubes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes before assembling.
Leave space between the skewers so the sweet potatoes roast rather than steam.
Turn the skewers halfway through cooking for more evenly caramelised edges.
Warm the cranberry maple glaze gently over low heat to keep it smooth and glossy.
Toasted pecans can be used instead of walnuts.
The cranberry maple glaze can be prepared ahead and gently rewarmed before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven.
For the best texture, add the feta, walnuts and fresh parsley after reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Side Dish, Appetiser, Holiday
- Method: Oven-Roasted
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
